WASHINGTON, D.C. — Until the August 2021 completion of the sale of its broadcast TV station group to Gray Media, with spin-offs going to Allen Media Broadcasting, he was its President/CEO. Today, Ralph Oakley remains a titan of over-the-air television in retirement. The NAB will recognize Oakley’s achievements at the upcoming State Leadership Conference.
The National Association of Broadcasters will present to Oakley its Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award, in recognition of his distinguished career and enduring commitment to local television. The award will be presented on March 3, during a special radio and television broadcasting awards presentation at the NABSLC.
“Ralph Oakley exemplifies the spirit of local broadcasting through his steadfast leadership, deep community commitment and lifelong service to others,” said NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “His work inside and outside of our industry has strengthened local journalism, expanded access to educational opportunities and advanced the values that define our industry. Ralph has long been a trusted voice and guiding force for broadcasters nationwide, and we are proud to honor him with this well-deserved recognition at the NAB State Leadership Conference.”
Oakley began his broadcasting career in 1977 with Quincy Newspapers, Inc., later known as Quincy Media, working at WGEM AM& FM and WGEM-TV in Quincy, Ill. He went on to hold a variety of roles at WSJV-TV in South Bend-Elkhart, Ind.; and WVVA-TV in Bluefield-Beckley, W. Va.; before joining the company’s corporate office.
Oakley served as President/CEO Quincy Media, Inc., beginning in 2009, leading a sixth-generation, family-owned media company that operated television stations in 16 markets, along with two daily newspapers and two radio stations.
Quincy Media sold its newspapers to Phillips Media in 2021.
Oakley’s commitment to education and service also included longtime leadership at Quincy University in Illinois, where he served as chair and remains a member of the Board of Trustees and continues to volunteer in the advancement department, leading fundraising efforts.
While retired from Gray Media, Oakley remains a licensee: he currently owns Sullivan’s Landing LLC, which owns WJMN-TV in Marquette, Mich., serving the Upper Peninsula. However, the station is operated under a shared sales and services agreement by Morgan Murphy Media.
Throughout his career, Oakley has held numerous leadership roles within the broadcasting industry. He is a former member of the NAB Board of Directors and he served on its Executive Committee. He also served as a trustee and co-chair of NAB’s Political Action Committee and a board member of the NAB Leadership Foundation. He served on the Television Bureau of Advertising Board of Directors and the ABC Affiliate Board of Governors. In addition, he is a former chairman of the NBC Affiliates Association and the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) and was previously honored as the IBA’s Broadcaster of the Year.
Oakley’s civic leadership includes serving as founding chairman of the Community Foundation for West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri and chairing the United Way of Adams County annual campaign. He also served on the boards of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Quincy Public Schools Foundation.
